We all know that Hungary is a small country, but when it comes to thermal water, it’s a real superpower. Many people from Hungary and abroad are looking for the baths to enjoy the healing effects of these “miraculous” waters. Some people are looking to relieve their illnesses here, some want to relax (even alone), and others plan their family vacation around a thermal bath complex.

But did you know that thermal waters known from baths are not only effective in the pools, but some of them can be used as a drinking cure? Sometimes drinking cures are used together with bath treatments to increase the effect, but drinking thermal water can have healing effects in itself as well. Let's see what kind of thermal water you need to consume regularly to treat different illnesses. 

In baths high in iron and other minerals, the healing ingredients are absorbed from the water through the skin, raising the iron level in the blood, which can have further beneficial effects. When used as a drinking cure, it’s suitable to treat iron deficiency anaemia, and help you regain strength after surgery. 

If you have stomach or digestive complaints, drinking alkaline water can help. They are usually used as drinking cures, as they effectively alleviate symptoms of gastric and intestinal tract infections, respiratory tract infections as well as acidic stomach. 

The so-called earthy, calcareous waters are recommended for the cure of rheumatic diseases. These, especially if they are carbonated, may also be useful in the treatment of heart and stomach diseases. 

You can effectively use bitter-salty waters as a drinking cure to treat gastrointestinal, intestinal, liver and biliary disorders. They have laxative effect, thus contributing to the release of excreta from the body. If you are trying the bitter-salty drinking cure for the first time, or you are planning to use it permanently, consult your GP!

1. A drinking cure adds an extra 0,5–1 litre to your fluid intake per day — this is also useful, because thermal waters can help you wash your body through. 

2. Get ready for the unpleasant taste of thermal waters. These waters are usually the most effective when consumed at the spring, but they can preserve their healing effect even after being bottled. 

3. Do not drink more than your doctor’s suggested, and always check the chemical composition of the thermal water you drink. Temperature also matters: do not cool down the water, drink it lukewarm. 

4. Take your doctor’s advice! If your doctor suggests a certain type of thermal water, it is worth taking their advice even if they suggest not to have a drinking cure at all.

5. Not everyone can have a drinking cure: it’s not recommended to undergo a drinking cure with acute gastric and bowel syndrome, acid deficiency, gastric ulcer or heart weakness. 

6. It takes some time before you can feel the healing effects of thermal water. A cure usually takes 2–4 weeks, but it can be up to 3–6 weeks. It’s not a short time, but don’t forget: healing needs time, don’t try to rush it.